How important is my wireless router to my Internet speed?

Answer:

If you’re not getting the Internet speed you expect, it could be due to your wireless router. Wireless routers manufactured even a few years ago weren’t designed to accommodate the Internet speeds available today. So, even if you upgrade your Internet plan to a higher speed tier, you might not enjoy a faster Internet connection until you update your wireless router.

How can I tell if my wireless router is slowing my Internet connection?

Test your Internet speed using a free service like Speedtest.net. Perform multiple tests throughout the day, then calculate the average speed. If the speed you’re getting is consistently slower than the speed you’re paying for, it could be because of your wireless router.

How can I improve my wireless router’s performance?

If your wireless router is outdated or malfunctioning, it’s probably time to invest in a new one. But if it’s only a few years old and seems to be in working order, save your money and use these tips to optimize its performance.

Move your wireless router.Sometimes, all you need to do is move your wireless router to get faster Internet. Place your wireless router in the room where you use your connected devices most often, or within a clear line of sight of that room. Be sure it’s at least three feet off the floor and away from cordless phones, televisions, and microwaves, all of which may affect the router’s performance.

Replace the router’s antennae.Most routers are equipped with an omnidirectional antenna, which sends a signal in all directions, over a broad area. But, if you primarily use the Internet from one location, like a home office, you don’t need an omnidirectional antenna. Consider replacing it with a single-directional antenna, which can double the strength of your signal.

Reboot your wireless router.A router requires regular rebooting to work at its full potential. Unplug your router, wait 30 seconds, and then plug it back it. This simple task could improve your Internet speed.

Limit bandwidth.

Most modern routers come with Quality of Service (QoS) settings that can be adjusted to give applications that are sensitive to lag, such as online gaming or video streaming, higher priority over applications that aren’t. Tweak QoS settings and your connection speed might improve.

Change the channel.Wireless routers can broadcast on a few different channels. Try changing your wireless router’s channel to improve signal strength and increase Internet speed.

Use a password.If your wireless speed is slow, it could be because the neighbors or other unauthorized people are using your network. Limit access to your wireless router by protecting it with a strong password, which you should change regularly.

If your wireless router is slowing down your Internet speed, these tips may help you remedy the situation. If they don’t work, there could be another reason you’re experiencing slow Internet, or it might be time to invest in a new wireless router.